Evaluating the significance of the traditional use of Alstonia scholaris Linn. in Tulunadu region of South India

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the importance of the tradition of consuming expressed juice of Alstonia scholaris Linn. on the particular New moon day of Ashada (July-August) month of Hindu calendar in South Indian region of Tulunadu. Methodology: Collection of stem bark of Alstonia scholaris Linn. was done during early morning hours in accordance with the traditional practice. Three separate samples were obtained, first three days before the particular New moon day, second on the New moon day and third three days after the New moon day. About 10 milliliter of expressed and filtered juice of all three samples were extracted with dichloromethane 20 ml thrice with gentle shaking. The organic layers were collected and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. Analysis of the samples were done by using Shimadzu UV Spectrophotometer of model UV-1800, by keeping the absorbance at constant against the dichloromethane as blank. Results: The graphs indicated the presence of maximum concentration of active principles on the particular New moon day. The peak max of absorbance was found to be 0.2 from 1st and 3rd samples. An absorbance of 0.5 was observed in sample 2 showing maximum concentration of active principles. Conclusion: The therapeutic importance of Alstonia scholaris has been undebatable while its intake on a particular day by the people of Tulu nadu region of South India has stood the test of time. The richness and realisms in the Indian culture and lifestyle remain interwoven with health traditions. However, their apt apprehension, analysis, appreciation and application is the need of the hour.Q